Average Cooks, Short Order Salary in Columbia, SC
The average salary for Cooks, Short Orders in Columbia, SC is $28,430. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Columbia, SC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $28,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $31,730.
- Outlook: The current demand for Cooks, Short Orders is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 140 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Columbia, SC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Short Order in Columbia, SC earns-20.3%below the national average.
$13.7
$547
$2,369
Cooks, Short Order Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Cooks, Short Order salaries in Columbia, SC have shown healthy growth of 11.4%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Cooks, Short Order Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
The earning potential for Cooks, Short Orders in Columbia, SC varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $23,190, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $31,730.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $23,190 | $11.1 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $21,323 | $10.3 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $28,580 | $13.7 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $35,538 | $17.1 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $31,730 | $15.3 |
Detailed Cooks, Short Order Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$28,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$28,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Columbia, SC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $28,430 to $28,430.
Job Market Context
140
Total Jobs
0.355
Per 1K Jobs
0.36
Location Quotient
At 0.36x, Columbia, SC has a notably lower concentration of Cooks, Short Order jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
140 people work as Cooks, Short Order in Columbia, SC.
Only 0.355 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Cooks, Short Order roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Short Order
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $28,050↓ 1% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $23,830↓ 16% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Short Order Salary | $24,960↓ 12% | 13 mi |
| Florence, SC Cooks, Short Order Salary | $27,050↓ 5% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Cooks, Short Orders?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Short Order make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Short Order in Columbia, SC is $28,430. This typically ranges from $23,190 for entry-level positions to $31,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 20.3% lower than the national median of $35,650.
Is Columbia, SC a good place for Cooks, Short Orders?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Cooks, Short Order salary in Columbia, SC is $28,430 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Columbia, SC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Cooks, Short Orders?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($28,050) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 140 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.355 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Cooks, Short Order Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Columbia, SC
- All Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Production Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Management Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC
- Browse All Jobs in Columbia, SC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Short Order • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC